My Lover's Mistake

Chapter 2: The Unexpected Proposal

The Unexpected Proposal

One Saturday morning, the town square bustled with activity as vendors set up for the weekly farmer’s market. Eliza and James wandered through the stalls, hand in hand, enjoying the festive atmosphere. The air was filled with the scents of fresh produce and baked goods, and the sounds of laughter and lively conversations.

"Look at these strawberries," Eliza said, stopping at a stall laden with fresh fruit. "They’re perfect for making jam."

James smiled, watching her excitement. "You and your jam. We’ll need to get a bigger pantry soon."

Eliza laughed, swatting his arm playfully. "Maybe we will. Do you want to help me make some later?"

"I’d love to," James replied, his eyes twinkling. "But first, I have a surprise for you."

Eliza raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A surprise? What kind of surprise?"

"You’ll see," James said, his tone mysterious. "Come on, we have to meet someone."

He led her through the market, weaving between the stalls until they reached a small café at the edge of the square. Sitting at a table outside was a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and a warm smile. She looked up as they approached, her face lighting up with recognition.

"Eliza, this is Margaret," James introduced. "She’s an old family friend."

"Nice to meet you, Eliza," Margaret said, extending her hand. "James has told me so much about you."

Eliza shook her hand, feeling a bit puzzled. "Nice to meet you too, Margaret."

Margaret gestured to the empty chairs at the table. "Please, sit. I have something I want to show you."

As they sat down, Margaret pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box from her bag. She opened it, revealing a stunning antique ring. The diamond sparkled in the sunlight, its brilliance almost blinding.

"This ring has been in my family for generations," Margaret explained. "James asked me if he could have it for a very special reason."

Eliza’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to look at James. He was watching her with an expression of nervous anticipation, his hands trembling slightly.

"Eliza," James began, his voice filled with emotion. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. You’ve brought so much joy and love into my life, more than I ever thought possible. I can’t imagine my future without you in it."

He took the ring from the box and got down on one knee, right there in the middle of the bustling market. People around them started to take notice, their conversations fading as they watched the scene unfold.

"Will you marry me, Eliza?" James asked, his eyes searching hers. "Will you make me the happiest man in the world?"

Tears welled up in Eliza’s eyes as she looked at the man she loved, the man who had become her everything. She nodded, unable to speak, her emotions overwhelming her. She managed a choked "Yes" as she threw her arms around him, the crowd erupting in cheers and applause.

"Congratulations," she said, hugging them both. "I’m so happy for you."

"Thank you, Margaret," Eliza said, her voice filled with gratitude. "This ring is beautiful. It means so much to me."

"It belongs to you now," Margaret said, her smile warm. "May it bring you as much happiness as it brought my family."

That evening, they gathered with their closest friends at the local pub to celebrate. The pub was a cozy, familiar place where everyone knew each other, and tonight it was filled with laughter and joy.

Eliza’s best friend, Claire, was the first to arrive, throwing her arms around Eliza in a tight hug. "I can’t believe it! You’re getting married!"

Eliza laughed, tears of happiness in her eyes. "I know, it feels like a dream."

Claire pulled back, looking at the ring. "It’s gorgeous. James did good."

"He did," Eliza agreed, glancing over at James, who was deep in conversation with his friend, Sam. "He really did."

At one point, Eliza found herself sitting with Margaret, who had joined the celebration. "I wanted to thank you again for the ring," Eliza said. "It’s truly special."

Margaret smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I’m glad it found its way to you. You and James are a perfect match."

"How did you know James?" Eliza asked, curious.

"I’ve known him since he was a child," Margaret said. "I was close friends with his mother. When she passed away, I promised to look out for him. Seeing him so happy with you brings me so much joy."

Eliza felt a pang of sadness at the mention of James’ mother. He had told her about losing his parents when he was young, but he rarely spoke of it. "Thank you for being there for him," she said softly. "He’s an amazing person."

"He is," Margaret agreed. "And so are you, Eliza. You’re both very lucky to have found each other."

Later that night, after the celebrations had wound down and they were back in Eliza’s apartment.

"I can’t believe we’re engaged," Eliza said, looking at the ring on her finger. "It feels so surreal."

"I know," James replied, pulling her close. "But it’s real. And I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

Eliza snuggled against him, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "I love you, James."

"I love you too," he said, kissing her forehead. "More than anything."

Eliza and James began planning their wedding, excited to start their new life together. They decided on a small, intimate ceremony in Riverbend, surrounded by their closest friends and family.

As they planned, they also navigated the ups and downs of their relationship. There were moments of stress and disagreements, but their love remained steadfast.

One afternoon, Eliza was at her studio, working on a new painting. The door opened, and Claire walked in, carrying two cups of coffee.

"Thought you might need a break," Claire said, handing Eliza a cup.

Eliza smiled, setting down her brush. "You read my mind. Thanks."

They sat together, sipping their coffee and chatting. "How’s the wedding planning going?" Claire asked.

"It’s going well," Eliza said. "A bit overwhelming at times, but we’re getting there."

"I can imagine," Claire said. "But it’s going to be beautiful. You and James are perfect for each other."

Eliza smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. "Thanks, Claire. I’m so lucky to have you as my friend."

As weeks passed, the wedding day drew closer. The whole town seemed to be caught up in the excitement, offering their help and support. Eliza and James were grateful for the love and community that surrounded them.

One evening, as they were finalizing the guest list, James looked up from the table, a serious expression on his face.

"Eliza, there’s something I need to tell you," he said.

Eliza’s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing. "What is it?"

James took a deep breath. "I’ve been offered a job in New York. It’s an incredible opportunity, but it would mean moving away from Riverbend."

Eliza felt a rush of conflicting emotions. She loved Riverbend and couldn’t imagine leaving, but she also wanted to support James in his career. "What are you thinking?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I don’t want to make any decisions without you," James said, reaching for her hand. "I want us to decide together. I love Riverbend, but this job could be a big step for us."

Eliza nodded, feeling a knot of anxiety in her stomach. "I understand. It’s a lot to consider."

They spent the next few days discussing their options, weighing the pros and cons. Eliza spoke with Claire and other friends, seeking their advice and support. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, they realized that their love for each other was the most important thing.

One evening, as they sat by the river where James had proposed, Eliza took his hand. "James, I’ve thought a lot about it. And as much as I love Riverbend, I love you more. If New York is where we need to go, then we’ll make it work."

James looked at her

, his eyes filled with gratitude and love. "Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel like you have to give up everything for me."

"I’m sure," Eliza said, her voice steady. "We’re a team, and we’ll face whatever comes together."

James pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I love you so much, Eliza."

"I love you too," she whispered, feeling a sense of peace. They had made their decision together, and whatever the future held, they would face it side by side.

With their minds made up, they threw themselves into wedding preparations with renewed energy. The day of the wedding arrived, a perfect summer day with clear skies and a gentle breeze. The ceremony was held in a beautiful garden on the outskirts of Riverbend, surrounded by blooming flowers and lush greenery.

"You look stunning," Claire said, stepping back to admire her friend.

"Thank you," Eliza said, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "I can’t believe it’s really happening."

"It is," Claire said, squeezing her hand. "And you’re going to be the most beautiful bride."

Eliza took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "I just want everything to be perfect."

"It will be," Claire assured her. "And even if it’s not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you and James are starting your life together."

Eliza nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over her. "You’re right. Thank you, Claire."

The ceremony was beautiful, a testament to the love and support of their friends and family. James stood at the altar, looking handsome and nervous in his suit. When Eliza appeared, walking down the aisle on her father’s arm, his eyes filled with tears.

As she reached him, they took each other’s hands, their love and commitment shining brightly. The officiant spoke of love and partnership, of facing life’s challenges together and supporting each other through thick and thin.

When it was time for their vows, James took a deep breath, looking into Eliza’s eyes. "Eliza, from the moment I met you, you changed my life. You’ve brought so much joy and love into my world, and I can’t imagine my future without you. I promise to stand by your side, to support you and cherish you, for the rest of my life."

Tears filled Eliza’s eyes as she spoke her vows. "James, you are my best friend, my partner, and my love. You’ve shown me what it means to truly be loved and supported. I promise to be there for you, to encourage you, and to love you unconditionally, for all the days of our lives."

The officiant pronounced them husband and wife, and they sealed their vows with a kiss, the cheers of their friends and family echoing around them. As they walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, they felt a sense of completeness and happiness that words could not fully capture.

The reception was filled with laughter and joy, a celebration of their love and the beginning of their new life together. They danced under the stars, surrounded by their loved ones, knowing that whatever the future held, they would face it together.

As the night drew to a close, they stood on the edge of the dance floor, watching their friends and family enjoy the evening. James wrapped his arms around Eliza, holding her close.

"We did it," he said softly, his voice filled with emotion. "We’re married."

"We did," Eliza replied, leaning into him. "And it’s just the beginning."

They shared a tender kiss, the promise of their future shining brightly. Eliza knew that there would be challenges and unexpected turns ahead, but with James by her side, she felt ready to face anything.

Together, they walked into their future, hand in hand, their love a guiding light through whatever came their way.